Paralympian Oscar Pistorius apologies over blade rant

Sprint runner Pistorius regrets hitting out over artificial legs after coming second in the 200m...

16:02 03 September 2012

The South African athlete Oscar Pistorius has apologised on Monday for criticising winner Alan Oliveira of having longer artificial legs.

 

Pistorius, who won world records in the T44 in the 100m, 200m and 400m, was beaten by the Brazilian on Sunday who took gold with a time of 21.45 seconds. 

 

"I want to apologise for the timing of my comments after yesterday's race,” Pistorius, 25, said in a statement.

 

"I accept that raising these concerns immediately as I stepped off the track was wrong.”

 

Pistorius looks set to talk with the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) about his concerns over prosthetic blades, but regrets dampening “Alan’s moment”.

 

“I would like to put on record the respect I have for him,” added the South African, who had his lower legs amputated when he was a baby.

 

"I am a proud Paralympian and believe in the fairness of sport. I am happy to work with the IPC who obviously share these aims".

 

The artificial limbs used by Pistorius are made of carbon fibre, and as reported by the BBC, the IPC has confirmed all the blades are in check with the regulations.

 

IPC Communications Director, Craig Spence, was quoted by the BBC saying: "We agreed to meet him at a later date so he could he raise his questions in a formal environment away from the emotion of the stadium."

 

Paralympic Team GB is currently in second place in the medal table with over 53 medals in total, including at least 15 golds.

 

Team GB are behind China, who are top of the medal chart with around 87 medals overall, and ahead of Australia – who have 43 medals so far.